"This week the rumour mills are overflowing with open source stories. Whether it be news of Red Hat's latest software release, information on Sun's plans to grab desktop share with Linux or details of IBM's latest tie up to offer Linux across its server platforms, Open Source is certainly in the news.
"The IT news wires are burning up with reports detailing the features of Red Hat 8.0, the next release of one of the leading Linux operating systems. Whereas in the past, Red Hat has targeted Server systems, it is expected that the new software will launch a more aggressive bid by the Raleigh-based company to make headway in the desktop market. Many commentators have been of the opinion that until recently Linux has lacked many of the qualities, especially usability, required by desktop users.
"Red Hat 8.0 has a much improved graphical user interface built on the Gnome 2.0 code. The software also includes an enhanced version of the Mozilla browser and the Nautilus file manager. With the Open Office suite and a new Evolution e-mail client completing the package, Red Hat 8.0 may at last make the Open Source desktop a credible solution for certain users..."
